Congratulations to Jonathan Muecke being named a United States Artists Fellow http://www.unitedstatesartists.org/fellows/2015/jonathan-muecke...

​Jon's work is slowly decaying back into the site at WAS after 10 years but its with presence is still with us.  

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2015/05/25/iowas-clean-water-debate-believe/27942213/

In the article by Neil Hamilton we have an excellent view of how special interests distort an issue,  The five pillars he outlines as part of the narrative reflect the desire to generate hesitation, delay, doubt and apathy towards meaningful action. What is most shocking is that only 50 cents per acre of cropland is spent on water quality protection.  Compared to one standard estimate just on the cost of from ISU extension of $26.00 per acre on pesticide and $140.00 per acre on fertilizer.  Yet, one of the pillars of the narrative is addressing water quality issues will wreck farmers.  The issue is a matter of priorities and profit.  Special interests rely on hiding behind the trope of  what is "good" for farmers. 

Student team -  Brandon Mayland,  Ethan Vander Pol,  Francisco Murphy, Will Wagner-Ertz, Allison Grossi,  Jeffrey Noble

The Iowa State University students presented their research finding via Skype on 5/08/15.  Their work covered a wide range of natural resource issues including control of non-native plants, riverbank erosion, historic overview and site context, creative opportunities and others aspects pertaining to the future of WAS.  An impressive amount of work was done in the field with rigorous analysis including techniques such as  predictive modeling of future forest conditions. Their work is a significant contribution to the future development of WAS. We will be working on incorporating recommendations over the coming seasons. 

http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/exhibitions/Iowa-Artists-2014SQUIRE.aspx

Check out Mitchell's exhibition 

http://artoftherural.org/introducing-visible-connections-contemporary-artists-in-rural-space/

Hello friends, just wanted to share the latest project on the Atlas of Rural Arts and Culture which will bring visual artists from across the country into conversation with each other:

http://www.ruralartsandculturesummit.com/

World Soil Day 2014

http://www.fao.org/globalsoilpartnership/world-soil-day/en/

For a week, Dec. 5-12, the documentary Symphony of the Soil will be video-streamed free of charge (at URL above).

This will kick off the International Year of Soils by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations:

The Calendar:
NEXT SATURDAY:  Nov. 22, 10 am, we will join Steve Pearson, biologist from Madison Co. Conservation Board, to hike the Clanton Creek Natural Resource Area near Peru and listen to Steve showcase the management plans for the largest contiguous woodland in Madison Co..  Meet at the MCCB headquarters, 2273 Clark Tower Road, and caravan to the hike.  Having this protected area is one reason that SIOSA is interested in working with and funding projects in Madison Co.  The area is part of the designated bird habitat (bird conservation areas) that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service now uses to prioritize restoration project funding.  Visit this link for further information from our joint August meeting between For Lands Sake! and SIOSA.  Call 462-3536 to pre-register (encouraged).

(Contribution from Nancy Forest -  Lead, For Lands Sake!) 

Hello, Everyone!  What an autumn, huh?

 Seventeen people gathered round the fire pit for an evening of acquaintance-making and sharing good food.  Two couples new to the group joined our merry tribe and bring with them varied experience and interests.  All four of these folks will be positive additions.

With each introduction and personal restoration journey shared, we learned more about each other and found many "small world" connections. The potential for impact from this group of people is constantly growing as the synergy mounts.  It's exciting!
 
The Calendar:
Nov. 22, 10 am, the group will join Steve Pearson, biologist from Madison Co. Conservation Board.  Steve will lead a hike to talk about and showcase the management plans for the largest contiguous woodland in Madison Co.  Having this protected area is one reason that SIOSA is interested in working with and funding projects in Madison Co.  The area is part of the designated bird habitat (bird conservation areas) that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service now uses to prioritize restoration project funding.  Visit this link for further information from our joint August meeting between For Lands Sake! and SIOSA.

SIOSA Summer Newsletter

 Dec. 4, 8:30-4:00, Trees Forever Conference, Cedar Rapids Country Club, "PLACEMAKING:  Love Where You Live"

12:30 keynote address by Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home and Creating Living Landscapes.

Register at treesforever.org/Leaflet